Business Technology

New certificate for Fall 2014!

If you are looking to prepare for a career in the business world, or to further
your education, we have many options and opportunities available to you.

From 1-year and 2-year certificates and degrees, to Microsoft Office Specialist
Certifications, we offer courses and programs designed to suit your needs.

Our programs can train and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers, including:

Receptionist

Administrative secretary

Ooffice assistant

Program assistant

Office manager

Records clerk

Support services

Sales associate

Desktop publishing positions

Information technology specialist

Web page development

Software applications support

Our classes prepare you for the world of work. Each program offers a job readiness
component preparing you to write winning resumes and to have successful interviews.
A work experience or internship component will help you make the transition to the
world of work. You must contact a faculty member for
advising.

What is Business Technology?

Picture yourself in an office setting interacting with many different people. Each
workday you are involved with business concepts, business communications, computers,
software applications, technical office skills, and a variety of office equipment.
This active and high-tech environment describes work in the modern office of today.

What skills do I need to be successful in this field?

You must enjoy working with others and making full use of your communication skills.
People who are successful in this field like to apply their computer and software
knowledge, as well as format and edit business documents. Those who excel are determined,
motivated and enthusiastic about change. If you possess these qualities, then the
office is a good career environment for you!

The
Administrative Assistant incorporates the Office Assistant curriculum. This program allows you to expand
on this basic knowledge and excel in one or several areas.

The
Administrative/ Computer Specialist curriculum is designed to prepare
students for careers as management information specialists, salespersons for vendors
or retailers of microcomputer hardware and software, and technical support specialists.
The advanced classes develop skills in microcomputer applications for business systems,
operating systems, and local area networks. Topics include programming system software
concepts, using applications packages, database concepts, telecommunications, and
support of end users.

Students in all of these six-quarter office administration options polish their
business communication skills through letter and report writing. They also become
experts at using popular word processing and spreadsheet software. Upon completion,
they receive an A.A.S. degree.

What courses will I take at SFCC?

To gain Business Technology skills, you'll enroll in keyboarding and formatting
classes using the latest versions of popular business software programs. You'll
learn word processing desktop publishing, spreadsheeting, and email.

To enhance your office knowledge, you'll take additional classes in business communications
and correspondence, records information management, business math and accounting.

You'll also gain practical experience and the ability to discuss job and career
opportunities through practicums, internship classes, and a job preparation course.

What careers are available?

There is continued strong demand for administrative and office support professionals.
As technology continues to play a major part in the job descriptions of these positions,
many new jobs will be available in a variety of industries. Opportunities abound
in a wide range of positions for Business Technology graduates. As businesses seek
to maximize the productivity and efficiency throughout their operations, advancement
opportunities are wide open for graduates of the Business Technology program.

Examples of job titles include:

Administrative Assistant

Secretary

Executive Assistant

Executive Secretary

Office Manager

Executive Word Processor

Desktop Publishing Specialist

Receptionist

Office Clerk

Management Information Specialist

Computer Sales Associate

Technical Support Specialist

Besides getting a degree, how can I document what I
have learned?

Proficiency Certificates / Certificates of Excellence
In addition to the degrees and certificates awarded by SFCC, the Business Technology
Department awards Recognition of Proficiency certificates in a variety of areas
including business writing, office management, keyboarding and business document
formatting, and information processing. In order to receive a Recognition of Proficiency
Certificate, a student must complete a pre-determined list of courses with a minimum
grade of 3.0. A Certificate of Excellence is earned with a minimum 3.5 in each course.
Please call Stephanie Freeman at 533-4144 for more information.

What will I able to earn in this field?

The type of work you do, your level of skill and technology, and the location of
the business you work for will play a key role in the salary you receive. Entry-level
positions usually start above the minimum-wage level, and advancement is usually
rewarded with pay raises. The average pay range for competent administrative support
professionals is $1,800 to $2,700 per month.

Online Courses

BT 100, BT 101, BT 102, BT 103, BT 107, and BT 272 are periodically offered as online courses, signified by "Arranged" or "ARR"
in the scheulde days/times. Click on the course title to view the course description and class schedule for the current quarter.
Contact a BT instructor for more information.

All course offerings are subject to change. The college cannot guarantee class offerings,
designated times or specific instructors - as funding levels and student interest may affect whether or not an
offering is available.

Class

Credits

Faculty and Advisors

We have a friendly and knowledgeable staff. If you have questions, please contact:
The globe icon
identifies faculty web sites. Click the globe to visit the site.

Professional Development Customized Certificate - New Fall 2014!

The Professional Development Customized Certificate is designed to help you succeed in the fast-paced changing business and technology environment.

For more information, contact:

Lenaya Hogan
(509) 533-3103
Building 30, Room 248

The Business and Information Technology Core at SFCC is designed for individuals who have employment experience and would like to upgrade their
skills for employment, promotion, advancement, or professional growth. Complete your professional training on a timeline that works best for you.

The innovative curriculum was developed with input from industry representatives from the Spokane business community. The program provides
training in three core areas as well as your choice of coursework to enhance your skills and professional development.

To receive a Proficiency Certificate in one of the areas, complete a request form that indicates you have earned a 3.0 or higher
grade in each course on the certificate and also provide an unofficial transcript with the appropriate courses highlighted.
Certificates of Excellence are earned when a minimum grade of 3.5 is acheieved in each course.

Request forms, in both Microsoft Word (.doc) and Adobe Reader (.pdf) format are available below: